Coping with Seasonal Allergies

An increasing number of people are experiencing the dreadful struggle with seasonal allergies each year. For those who are familiar with this problem, the signs are clear when that time of year is approaching. Symptoms to allergic reactions usually include increased sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes or skin, and congestion. If these reactions are left untreated, allergens can make your entire day quite miserable. Along with following advised allergy treatments from a physician, there are a few ways you can reduce your seasonal allergy pain.

Identify the Cause

If you are showing signs of an allergic reaction, logic suggests that there must be an allergen to blame. A doctor can give you an allergy skin test to determine exactly what substances are triggering your allergic reactions. If you only seem to notice your symptoms seasonally, there is a good chance that you are allergic to pollen.

Pollen may be a very common allergen, but there are plenty of other substances that could be causing your reaction. You may be blaming pollen when really you are allergic to dust mites, pet dander, or a chemical present in a new cleaning product you’ve purchased. To best alleviate your symptoms, you must determine, with certainty, what is causing them to occur.

Avoiding Your Allergen

Obviously, one of the best ways to reduce your allergic reactions is to reduce your exposure to your allergen. If you are allergic to pollen, this task can be a bit challenging. You do not hide yourself away on a beautiful day out of fear of pollen. What you can do is limit your exposure to pollen in as many ways as possible without placing too many restrictions on your lifestyle.

Little choices can make a big difference. Having someone assist you with landscaping and lawn care, and driving with your windows sealed can reduce your amount of pollen exposure. You can also plan your outdoor activities to avoid days on which the pollen count is to be exceedingly high. Local weather stations and networks will often report the day’s pollen count. As the pollen counts are usually at their highest in the early morning, it is best to schedule outdoor activities for the afternoon or evening hours.

Boost Your Defenses

It is impossible to completely avoid your allergens forever. Since you are going to have to face your allergens eventually, it is best to be as prepared as possible. A healthy immune system is a great defense against succumbing to allergic reactions. There are several important factors that need to be covered when strengthening the immune system. To have the strongest immune system possible, you must:

Eat a healthy well-balanced nutrient rich diet. In particular, foods that contain significant levels of vitamin C can be very beneficial.

Get plenty of rest so that your body can be rejuvenated.

Exercise for at least thirty minutes per day. If you suffer from a pollen allergy, you will clearly want to exercise indoors during the times when the pollen counts are at their highest.

Keep Clean and Tidy

Whether your allergen is pollen, dust, or pet dander, you do not want these irritants infiltrating your home. During the seasons when your allergies are rampant, you can reduce your suffering by keeping your home, clothing, carpets and bedding as clean as possible. You can also improve the air quality, and reduce the pollen levels, in your home by changing your air filter, and using an air purifier.

If your allergy symptoms are persistent and lasting, there is no reason you should continue to struggle. If the allergic reactions continue to negatively affect your health and life, seek treatment from a physician as soon as possible.